US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to foster an open and secure Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue extended beyond diplomatic talks, with Blinken expressing eagerness to sustain advancements in technology, clean energy, and space for a promising future.
The visit of Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to India was centered around the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the ‘2+2’ format, considering it a pivotal catalyst for reinforcing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi characterized the India-US partnership as a potent force for global good, grounded in shared values of democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. Blinken and Modi affirmed their joint vision for a robust Indo-Pacific collaboration and addressed global issues, as articulated by the US State Department.
The commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific was underscored through the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), involving Japan and Australia. Blinken elaborated on specific cooperative measures, such as combating illegal activities like phishing, piracy, and drug trafficking. Additionally, both nations are coordinating humanitarian relief and disaster response efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
The 2+2 India-US Ministerial Dialogue serves as a high-level forum for comprehensive discussions on bilateral and global affairs, with a particular focus on unfolding developments in the Indo-Pacific region. This diplomatic exchange further solidified the partnership between the United States and India.
